comments from a conservative Christian perspective,
sometimes on Oregon local and state issues

with thanks to A.E. Housman

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Seth MacFarlane Uses His "Bully" Pulpit in "Family Guy"

Seth MacFarlane creator of Family Guy
photo by Gage Skidmore

Seth MacFarlane shows his inner "bully" self by ridiculing mentally challenged people this week in his cartoon series "Family Guy". He thinks it's a cute stereotype to depict Downs Syndrome people as pushy and arrogant.

Actually, they aren't pushy and arrogant. They have had to deal with snide, hurtful bullies like MacFarlane all their lives. Those who are weak and defenseless become fearful under abuse not arrogant. The playground is clear testimony to that.

Who will MacFarlane's next targets be? Those with MS? Alzheimer's? Quadriplegics? Maybe MacFarlane will go international and pillory Darfur victims.

Whether MacFarlane was a laugh a minute bullying others on the playground as a child is unclear, that he thinks he's on a hot roll now that he's in with the Hollywood/entertainment crowd is apparent.

The really sad thing is that no one, not even Seth MacFarlane, gets out of life without personal pain. At some point he will experience the sort of pain he so easily dishes out now on the weak and defenseless.

Fortunately, the special needs people and those who love them will be there to help Seth when he finally learns that it's not bullying but helping those in need that makes a man important.

UPDATE: The little film clip linked doesn't show the half of MacFarlane's "grind 'em in the dust" view of Down Syndrome men and women. Here are the lyrics of MacFarlane's ode to the Down Syndrome girl in the cartoon:

"You’ve got to look your best tonight, you tubby little parasite
‘Cause there’s a lovely lady and she’s waiting for you.
And though her pretty face may seemA special person’s wettest dream
Before you get to see it there are things you must do.
We’ll try a tie, and boutonniere of yellow.
A rose that shows that you’re a classy fellow.
With a posh panache of Jefferson at Monticello,
Busting out a mile with style.
I know you just can’t wait to stare
At all that luscious orange hair
But boy before you touch a single curlYou must impress that ultra boomin’,
All-consumin’, poorly groomin’
Down syndrome girl.
On any normal day you reek
As if you’re on a farting streak,
Your fingers up your nose and you are dripping with drool.
But if you want a lady’s love,
You’re better off by smelling of
A gentleman’s cologne instead of sneakers and stool.
A squirt, a spurt of something just for Ellen
And you’ll see that she will find you so compellin’.
And she does because the only smell that she’ll be smellin’
Won’t be comin’ from your bum.You want to take that little whore
And spin her on the dancing floor
But boy, before you do a single twirl –
You must impress that effervescing,
Self-possessing, no-BS-ing
Down syndrome girl.
Her eyes are emerald portals to a secret land of love
And her smile is like the sweetest summer flower.
Her kiss is so inviting, and her hugs are so delighting.
And what makes them really nice is that they’ve got a little spice
Because they’re tighter than a vice and they go on for an hour.
My boy, between the two of us we’ll get you on that shorty bus.
And then you’re going to take it for a whirl.
Now go impress that super-thrilling,
Wish-fulfilling, Yoo-Hoo-spilling,
Ultra-swinging, boner-bringing,Daily singing, ding-a-linging
Stupefying, fortifying,
As-of-Monday-shoelace-tying,
Stimulating, titillating,
Kitty-cat impersonating,
Mega-rocking, pillow talking,Just a little crooked walking,
Poorly pouting, boobies sprouting,
For some reason always shouting,
Fascinating, captivating,
Happiness and joy creating
Down syndrome girl"
[emphasis added]